Dukes and Field lead way to first conference win

The women took to the road for their first conference road game as they faced ASA-Miami this past Saturday. Conference games are competitive as is, but playing on the road adds an extra edge to every game. Even arriving early to their destination did not seem to ease the start of a game for the Pioneers as their slow start was still an issue. From the jump the Pioneers struggled to find their rhythm, a familiar story for IRSC women, but they composed themselves to take the lead in the first quarter 15-8. The second quarter ASA rattled IRSC as they began to pressure up and grab rebounds. The Pioneers countered back and forth and managed to maintain the lead 16-14 in the second quarter. Not happy about the halftime score of 31-22, the Pioneers went to the locker room to re-evaluate the situation.

Determined and focused the Pioneers took the court ready to play the second half. Behind the scoring of Annette Dukes and Elaine Field in the third quarter the Pioneers took charge and began to settle into their game. IRSC took control of the boards and began to hit free-throws, something that was lacking in the first half. The River managed to take a 19-10 lead, giving them room to breathe. However, ASA did not lose their fight as they outscored the Pioneers converting off their turnovers to take an 18-15 win in the fourth quarter, despite the efforts of shooting from Miracle Simon. Thankfully the margin was wide enough that the Pioneers remained in the lead and won 65-50.

The Pioneers were led in scoring by Annette Dukes and Elaine Field both with 15 points and 7 rebounds, with Miracle Simon adding 12 points and Soriah Sidaui 9 points.

IRSC is now 1-1 in conference play and 3-13 for the season. They will have a six home game stay beginning Tuesday January 17th as they face Florida Southwestern at 5:30pm.